(The Kozmik Zoo)
I’m telling you, The Kozmik Zoo was a real place. I swear.
It was on Broadway, it had a stage, a bar, and it served some of the most delicious Persian food you could find in the city.
The stage hosted an eclectic, ever-changing roster of performers. From Balkan big bands to improv comedy to Mashed Poetics, anything went, so long as it was good. Whatever took the stage always drew a crowd just as diverse and enthusiastic. You never really knew what you were walking into, but you knew it was going to be interesting.
The moment you walked in, your eyes landed on the giant yellow octopus mural sprawled across the wall. Its many tentacled limbs stretched out to hold various instruments, a drumstick here, a trumpet there, each one peppered between its swirling arms. The whole thing had a chaotic, psychedelic energy, yet somehow still felt inviting.
The space itself was mid-sized, just like the stage. Black dining tables and cushioned chairs filled the floor, unless the event called for more movement, in which case, they were pushed aside. At the back, opposite the stage, sat the bar. It had everything: every kind of liquor, syrup, concoction, and elixir you could imagine. Experimental cocktails were a house specialty. Whatever was in your glass was probably something you’d never tried before.
If you were there for a Balkan big band night, you knew what you were in for: a brass section weaving between the tables while playing full blast. I once watched a server struggle to deliver Zereshk Polo because a tuba had completely blocked the path.
Mashed Poetics brought out a wild mix of poets and rockers. I still remember Weezer night. An excellent cover band blasted through classics while poets performed slam pieces inspired by the songs between sets.
Improv comedy nights? Forget about finding a seat. The place would be packed wall to wall. There’d be a line out the door for a chance to see The Sunday Service, the wildly popular, award-winning comedy troupe that made the venue their home every Sunday.
The Kozmik Zoo was timeless. It was a tight-knit, supportive, and joyful community of artists and art lovers. It was a place for experimentation, discovery, and connection. Though its doors are now closed, its spirit lives on in the many artists and patrons who contributed to its magical space. I know I’ll carry the fond memory of the one and only Zoo with me for all my days.
Written by Alana Black | Evolution Media
Contact: ablack23@my.bcit.ca